Modulation of zinc levels to improve tissue properties

Abstract

Methods of altering properties of tissues, by providing an effective modifying amount of zinc, which may be in the form of zinc ions. This is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more zinc-containing components such as salts and/or other zinc compounds or complexes, particularly zinc acetate. Altering properties of tissues includes increasing or decreasing fatty tissue, increasing or decreasing epidermal thickness, increasing elastin content, and preventing or treating gum regression or atrophy. Also disclosed is the provision of a contact lens coated with a zinc-containing material, to improve vision by increasing elastin content of the lens of the eye through release of zinc ions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for increasing elastin content in a region of skin of a subject that is in need of increased elastin content, the method consisting essentially of applying topically a composition consisting essentially of one or more zinc-containing components in admixture with a dermatologically acceptable carrier to the region of skin of the subject,
 wherein the one or more zinc-containing components is selected from the group consisting of zinc acetate, zinc ascorbate, zinc aspartate, zinc butyrate, zinc caproate, zinc caprylate, zinc carbonate, zinc citraconate, zinc citramalate, zinc citrate, zinc EDTA, zinc formate, zinc fumarate, zinc gallate, zinc gluconate, zinc halides, zinc lactate, zinc malate, zinc maleate, zinc malonate, zinc metaphosphate, zinc monophosphate, zinc nitrate, zinc octoate, zinc orotate, zinc orthophosphate, zinc oxalate, zinc phosphate, zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc salicylate, zinc selenate, zinc succinate, zinc sulfate, zinc sulfonate, zinc tartrate, zinc tetrametaphosphate, zinc tripolyphosphate, zinc valerate, zinc amino acid complexes, zinc nucleotide complexes, and mixtures thereof, 
 wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration that increases elastin without causing epidermal sloughing and irritation due to zinc, 
 wherein said concentration is in the range of 10 μM to 1.0 mM, and 
 wherein the elastin content in the region of skin is increased. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more zinc-containing components is zinc carbonate. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more zinc-containing components is comprises zinc citrate. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 mM. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 mM. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 1.0 mM. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the region of skin is selected from the group consisting of the face, breasts, buttocks, neck, legs, arms, torso, and furrows or wrinkles in the face, hands or neck. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the carrier further comprises a moisturizer. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 10 μM. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 10 μM. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein zinc of the said one or more zinc-containing components is present in the composition at a concentration of 10 μM.